A local resident
We all made it back from our trip safe and sound. All things considered, the trip was a successful one. No one was lost or hurt (one close call at the aquarium), there were no major meltdowns, and in general it was a pleasant time. That being said, I don’t think I relaxed more than five minutes total while we were there. Just too many things to watch – I was constantly on alert.
I’ve learned that Gus does not seem to enjoy traveling. He likes to see other places, for short periods of time, but the getting there doesn’t do much for him. He handled it well, but there were tears on the way back. He cried a little at the airport because he missed 2 days of school and he missed the cat. Then at bedtime the night we got home, he broke down. He kept asking if we had to go away again, and I had to assure him over and over that we won’t be going away again any time soon. It’s hard for him to have his routine broken, and it’s even harder for him to have to keep himself in check for that long. It’s exhausting for him, so it wasn’t too surprising that he’d get upset. That’s not to say he didn’t have fun, but there’s a big price for him to pay for that fun.
Now on to the more fun aspects of the week:
The aquarium was a huge hit with everyone. We almost lost Gus once, but fortunately, the layout of the place is pretty open, so it’s not too hard to take in a large area to spot a stray child. I just about had a stroke when Gus said he wanted to go up to the top of the shark tank (you can see them from behind a glass or from the open top of the tank) but he was very good and careful up there – didn’t even attempt to climb the railing. I had a pretty strong grip on him too, which might have helped. It’s good to know that he is smart enough to save his climbing antics for the creatures who are not known for eating people – like the dolphins. Yes, he tried to weasel his way in there.
Haley and Moonshine at the Mote Aquarium
The kids also enjoyed the playground, the pool and the exercise room. We got a few glimpses of the resident alligator, who they named Crocky, and we managed to avoid any fire-ant swarms (although, wise-guy Gus kept trying to push that envelope). They were pretty happy with the meal on Thanksgiving – Gus packed away quite a bit.
Our last night there, we went to the zoo to see the opening night of their Christmas light display, which was actually quite cool. We even saw some animals – a huge crocodile (fenced in, but I was still pretty cautious) and a flock of flamingos just freely hanging out at the edge of a pond. Gus, not surprisingly, wanted no parts of feeding them. He was also a little upset about having to go back through the gift shop to get out because there were caged birds – a parrot and a macaw to name 2 – that scared the pants off him. They were just too loud for his taste.
Flamingos hanging out after dark
The flight back had lost some of the novelty for him, so he kept asking why we had to be on the plane and the ear pressure was particularly painful coming back – nothing seemed to relieve it until we landed – but he behaved very well. Those bulkhead seats made a HUGE difference, because he was kicking the wall for a while, but no one cared! The only thing I really had to worry about was loud, inappropriate outbursts – there were a few, not such a big deal – and him getting out of his seat when the “Fasten Seatbelt” sign was on – he did that a couple of times to look out the window, but I got him back in with little fuss.
The other life-saver was the DS. IT came everywhere with us, and was especially helpful in restaurants, during the car rides to and from the airport, and on the plane of course. He put it down a few times to listen to the satellite radio on the plane or to look at a comic, but I’d say 90% of the trip he played that game. Probably the best money we spent to prepare for the trip.
We did learn (when we came home, thank goodness that wasn’t hanging over our heads all day Saturday) that our cat made a break for it on Friday morning. Thanks to the tenacity of our neighbor, who knew just how devastating it would have been for the kids to come home to a lost cat, he was caught and brought home. She didn’t fare so well – he attacked her when she grabbed him – but she toughed it out until he was safe. We owe her a HUGE debt! Gus must have asked about the cat at least 4-5 times a day, “What do you think he’s doing now?”
So that was our week. Hope you had a great holiday, and if you’ve got any holiday stories to share, please leave your story in a comment below!
